Flanders who balances the life of a grandmother and a training admits she was on babysitting duties the morning of the competition.

"I love my grandchildren. I was looking after my youngest Jack who got up to a bit of mischief in his cot and I believe he really helped reduce my pre-comp nerves," she said.

Flanders, also a personal trainer said breaking the record gives her that extra credential.

"As a PT I like to be able to walk the talk, I don't just tell people how do to stuff, I can actually do it as well," she said. "I think it's very important for women to have upper body strength as they get older and I encourage any older women who feel nervous about joining a gym to give it a go. It's a very supportive and safe environment to do your exercise."